π️Lonny's War Update- October 651, 2023 - July 18, 2025 π️
π️Day 651 that 50 of our hostages are still in Hamas captivityπ️
- Netanyahu's flexibility in hostage talks 'part of election campaign strategy,' sources sayPM has shown unusual flexibility, sources say, including concessions on Israeli troop withdrawal; officials believe the shift is part of an election strategy as his government shifts to minority status
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has assured close associates that Israel’s negotiation team will remain in Doha until a hostage deal is reached, sources familiar with the talks said Thursday.The discussions, involving Israeli and Hamas representatives, are ongoing with progress on several issues, although significant gaps remain. Netanyahu has shown notable flexibility on the contentious issue of the maps outlining the withdrawal of IDF forces from certain areas in the Gaza Strip, sources said, including reportedly dropping Israel’s demand to maintain a presence in the Morag Corridor after a ceasefire. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has assured close associates that Israel’s negotiation team will remain in Doha until a hostage deal is reached, sources familiar with the talks said Thursday. The discussions, involving Israeli and Hamas representatives, are ongoing with progress on several issues, although significant gaps remain. Netanyahu has shown notable flexibility on the contentious issue of the maps outlining the withdrawal of IDF forces from certain areas in the Gaza Strip, sources said, including reportedly dropping Israel’s demand to maintain a presence in the Morag Corridor after a ceasefire.Israeli officials confirmed reports in Arab media that agreements or near-agreements had been reached on some withdrawal map details.Negotiators are now addressing the sensitive issue of how many and who will be the terrorists released in a possible deal. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff has yet to decide whether to travel to Doha, indicating talks may continue for several more days before his direct involvement. Sources also said the recent exit of the Shas party from Netanyahu's coalition, turning it into a minority government, has increased the likelihood of a hostage deal. “Netanyahu has little to lose. He’s effectively campaigning and needs to be seen as a hero saving Israel and securing the hostages’ release,” one source said. However, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir expressed strong opposition to a deal, saying, “It’s a huge mistake to make a deal with them now. I support bringing Hamas to its knees. A deal would give Hamas breathing room to recover.”Rally calling for the release of the hostages and an end to the war in Gaza(Photo: REUTERS/Ammar Awad)Qatar’s Al-Araby channel reported Wednesday on a new round of ceasefire talks in Doha, with Israel expected to submit revised withdrawal maps to mediators. Hamas insists on a full Israeli withdrawal to positions held before March 2, rejecting Israel’s concessions as insufficient.Senior Israeli officials described the negotiations as difficult but promising. “The chances of a deal are greater than the chances of no deal,” a senior Security Cabinet member said. Another official added, “Netanyahu has made significant concessions, and we are very close to an agreement.” link While my greatest hope is that we are truly on the road to an agreement, even though it will be a terrible agreement that keeps many of the hostages in captivity, I have great difficulty believing these 'senior Israeli officials' who are most likely out of the Prime Minister's Office. Most of what they and their boss disseminate are lies or half lies that serve their boss's war of political survival. There are some aspects of these statements that make them more believable because of the fragility of the government at this point. Netanyahu, with his politically motivated visit to Kibbutz Nir (where 1 in 4 of its residents were either killed or kidnapped on October 7) and Ofakim (almost 2 years after the massacre), started his unofficial election campaign with those visits. Based on my calculations, he was actually planning on his full steam election campaign going into the last quarter of this year, but political reality may be forcing some changes. It was widely assumed and believed that Netanyahu would declare 'total victory' and make a deal to end the war and bring home the hostages in conjunction with his election campaign, so it was assumed that the last hostage would be brought home somewhere between October and December. If, in fact either the government will fall or Netanyahu will call for early elections before the fall of the government, then a deal will definitely be made and that is one of the two reasons that Netanyahu is becoming flexible with his demands as well as keeping the negotiation team in Qatar until a deal is made. That should have been the situation in for the entire time of the war. The other reason that Netanyahu may be showing this flexibility and pushing for a deal is due to Trump's impatience with him. Trump wants a Nobel Peace Prize and he is counting on ending the war in Gaza to be his winning hand for the prize. When Netanyahu was in Washington and had 3 meetings with Trump, it is strongly believed that Netanyahu convinced Trump to allow him to work according this his plan and timetable. It appears that Trump has decided against that and wants the war to end faster. The instability in Syria with Israel taking part in the fighting including bombing near the Presidential palace in Damascus is definitely affecting Trump's decision. I have no doubt that he sees the possibility of a new front, a new war starting before ending the Gaza war and with it, his chances of the prize would get further away. He is likely deciding that a bird in the hand is better than 2 in the bush and those 2 in the bush are 2 wars. The combination of the government's precarious position and Trump's ebbing patience will hopefully bring us the end of the war and all the hostages coming home. ‘Tangible progress’ reported in talks for Gaza hostage deal
There has been “significant progress” in Gaza hostage release talks in Doha, according to several Hebrew-language media reports, after the mediating states presented to Israel and Hamas an updated ceasefire proposal.
“We are close to a decisive moment,” a senior official tells Channel 12. “There is tangible progress.”
“There is a green light from the prime minister to move forward on many issues,” the official continues. “The situation is encouraging.”
Diplomats told The Times of Israel yesterday that the new maps submitted by Israel would not have IDF troops holding on to the Morag Corridor.
The senior official says Israel would hold a zone 1.5 kilometers wide along the Egypt-Gaza border, and about 1 kilometer around the rest of the Strip.
The sides have not yet agreed on how many Palestinian prisoners will be released for every hostage Hamas frees, says the official, while adding that the issue is not expected to prove an obstacle for a deal.
Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed Al Thani is expected to meet the Hamas delegation in Doha on Saturday after discussing the Gaza ceasefire efforts with US President Donald Trump in the White House yesterday, Channel 12 reports. Mediators expect Hamas to present more changes to the new proposal, but nothing that will be a dealbreaker.
'They shot the bed — and missed my head': Doron Steinbrecher recounts Hamas abduction
Steinbrecher, held for 471 days in Gaza, breaks her silence about captivity, the moment she was taken, and her anger at Israel's failure to bring others home; 'We’re screaming. We were there. Why won’t anyone listen?'
Doron Steinbrecher, 31, who was held for 471 days in Hamas captivity, is speaking publicly for the first time about her abduction from her home in southern Israel, the moment she was taken to Gaza and her growing frustration that 50 hostages remain in captivity over nine months later.“I was hiding under the bed, whispering to my mom on the phone, when I heard them yelling ‘Iftah al-bab’ — ‘Open the door,’” Steinbrecher recalled this week during a visit to her damaged apartment in the youth neighborhood of Kibbutz Kfar Aza. “Then I heard the window open. I knew they were inside.”To avoid being seen, she placed two laundry baskets over her head. “One of the terrorists came into the room and said, ‘No one’s here.’ But then they came back. They realized someone had to be there because the fridge had been pushed against the door. They shot at the bed — it missed my head. Then they lifted the mattress and saw me.” Four armed men pulled her out, lifted her onto a shelf and took her out through the window. “They didn’t even take the car,” she said. “They just trashed it. One of them was really angry.” Steinbrecher was one of more than 240 people abducted on October 7 when Hamas-led terrorists infiltrated Israeli border communities. She was released in late November as part of a temporary cease-fire and hostage deal that also freed Emily Damari and Romi Gonen.Doron Steinbrecher outside her home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza(Photo: Ziv Koren)“I knew I was being taken to Gaza and just hoped they wouldn’t kill me,” she said. “I tried to resist, to delay things, hoping someone would come — but no one came.” She was forced into a Toyota vehicle, seated between two men, with two others in front. “They took a selfie — like a trophy photo. On the way to Gaza, I shut myself off. I told myself: just survive. Let them do whatever they want. Just stay alive.” Asked if she considers herself a survivor, Steinbrecher responded: “No. I can’t stand that word — or ‘hero.’ I didn’t overcome anything. I didn’t win anything. I lived. I happened to come back because I was born a woman. Gali and Ziv Berman were taken from the same neighborhood. They didn’t come back.” She said no government official has contacted her since her release. “But even if they had — what would it change? If I thought meeting someone would bring them back, I’d reopen every wound I have. That’s why I went all the way to [U.S. President Donald] Trump.”Doron Steinbrecher, Romi Gonen and Emily Damari (Photo: Ziv Koren)
“It’s been nearly two years. That’s not normal,” she said. “They deserve to come back and rebuild their lives. I came out after 471 days. It’s been almost 200 days since then and they’re still there. It’s insane. What kind of world are we living in?” “When I hear people downplaying this, I want to tear my hair out. We’re screaming. We were there. We’re telling you what’s happening. Why won’t anyone listen?” To those who oppose a hostage deal, fearing it could lead to another October 7-style attack, she said, “Fine. Let’s bring them back first. Then deal with everything else. There’s no higher priority. We’re a culture and religion that sanctifies life. So bring them back. What did they do to deserve this? What did we?” linkGali and Ziv Berman
651 Days in Captivity: “A Humanitarian City While My Brother Is in Gaza? A Dismal Failure of the Leadership”
Uriel Baruch, 35 years old from Givon, was abducted from the Nova party and is one of the hostages still in captivity — already 651 days • Idan Baruch, Uriel’s brother, harshly criticizes the government plan to establish a “humanitarian city” in Gaza at the cost of billions of shekels: “This is a dismal failure of our leadership. Who has heard of a country helping its enemy defeat it? Hamas sees this as a display of weakness”50 hostages in captivity, already 651 days. One of them is Uriel Baruch, a father of two from Givon, who was abducted from the Nova party. This week, the cabinet discussed the defense minister’s plan to establish a “humanitarian city” in Gaza. According to estimates, the city’s construction will cost the state at least ten billion shekels. Idan Baruch, Uriel’s brother, sharply criticizes the move: “My brother is in Gaza and they are talking about building a humanitarian city — this is a dismal failure of our leadership.”
About two weeks have passed since the delegation left for Doha, and so far, there has been no breakthrough in the negotiations with Hamas. The proposal on the table talks about returning half of the living hostages and 18 bodies. “We are not willing to support a deal that would sentence 10 hostages to death, who will remain alive in Gaza, and sentence the captive bodies to not be brought to Jewish burial if they remain there,” says Uriel’s brother.
“You cannot conduct negotiations that begin from our position of weakness. Negotiations must be done from a position of strength. Hamas should be begging us to return the hostages and end the war. When our leadership is courting Hamas, we remain in a position of weakness. Now, we need to bring them to their knees and bring them to a situation where they scream for help — take the hostages from us.”
Uriel Baruch (with his family), in Hamas captivity in Gaza for already 651 days | Photo: Courtesy of the familySince October 7, it has become known that 11 hostages who were abducted alive were murdered in captivity. Idan, Uriel’s brother, warns: “We are gambling with their lives if we go into an agreement without knowing how it will end. How can you build a house without knowing the plans and what foundations it stands on? The salami method is very bad; we will not agree that half of the hostages remain in Gaza.”
This week, the Baruch family visited the Knesset committees: “I asked the ministers: if your son were there — would you gamble on him not being included in the deal?” says Idan. “No one was willing to accept that. I told them: ‘Stand on your hind legs and refuse the salami method. What will we offer Hamas next time? We have no cards left in hand; the story is over.’ Our perception in understanding the enemy must change. We need to hurt Hamas where it hurts. October 7 was just the promo. Our enemy is commanded to jihad, anyone not of the religion of Islam — they are commanded to kill him. They are fighting for land. If we do not change the strategy, the bereaved families’ club will only grow.”
Uriel Baruch, a father of two from Givon, was at the Nova party together with his friend Michael Yoav, of blessed memory, and they managed to escape by car up to the Black Arrow monument near Mefalsim. Five months after October 7, the army informed the Baruch family that Uriel was murdered based on intelligence findings, but the family demands certainty: “We do not accept this IDF message. No doctor has examined him, we have no definite information about Uriel’s condition. There were other hostages like Matan Angrest and Daniella Gilboa who were thought to be dead and surprised us — Daniella is here with us today, healthy and whole. Therefore, we need certainty and are not willing to rely on a fragment of a video to determine what happened to him.”
“In my life, I have never heard of a country helping its enemy defeat it. The enemy sees this as a display of weakness. Our mistake is that we receive a slap and offer the other cheek,” attacks Baruch. According to him, “Hamas are not diplomats; they are people who kidnapped, murdered, and raped. The terror organizations in the Strip must be dried out — they should have no fuel and no electricity. They need to come to the negotiation from a position of weakness, not us.” link I don't comment about hostage families and their stance regarding hostage deals. But there are a few mistakes that Uriel Baruch's brother has made that need correcting. The 'Humanitarian City' that this failed government wants built has nothing to do with helping our enemies. Its sole purpose is to put all the Gazans in a concentration camp to erase all hope of a better future in Gaza and get them to 'voluntarily emigrate' (ethnic cleansing).
His biggest mistake though is in the notion of negotiating from a position of strength and for Hamas to beg us to take back the hostages. We will never have a position of strength in the negotiations no matter how much more destruction we cause in Gaza (90% of Gaza is rubble) or how many Gazans we kill (over 50,000 so far). Hamas, as a fundamental terrorist organization will never give up the hostages without standing firm on their bottom line, no matter how weak they are and how many of their leaders we have killed. These terrorist value death in the fighting and believe that their eternal life is far more important than their short lives here on earth. Their position of strength is very simple, they hold the hostages. If we had a better history in this war of the army rescuing masses of hostages, it could be a different story but only a handful of living hostages have been rescued. Most of the 200 hostages (living and dead) returned home through deals, not through military strength. More military strength has proven to be dangerous and deadly to the hostages. The terrorist guards were given very clear orders to kill any and all hostages if the army is close to them and that has been done on several occasions. 41 hostages who were taken alive on October 7 have been killed in captivity.
The only way to get all of the hostages home is with a deal that also ends the war.
Where Idan Baruch is entirely correct is in the makeup of the possible deal that is being negotiated. It is a bad deal, a horrible deal that will only see 10 living hostages returned and 18 dead hostage's bodies and to be done through 5 phases over 60 days. That means that at least 10 more living hostages will remain in the hell of Hamas captivity for god knows how long and the rest of the dead hostages will not be brought to their families for proper burial and mourning. This is all because of Netanyahu's creation of phased releases so that, at any time, he can end the deal and go back to fighting, if his political survival needs for that to happen. The only deal that should be discussed and made is to end the war and bring home all the hostages in 1 single phase. If the deal being negotiated now comes to fruition, it will be dependent on a second part which specifies the end of the war with American guarantees, although there is some speculation that Hamas will be somewhat flexible in the wording of the deal as long as Trump personally guarantees that Israel will not go back to fighting. In any case, the end result of these negotiations is the end of the war and the return of the rest of the hostages. There is no reason, other than Netanyahu's political survival that this isn't the deal being discussed and negotiated now. It is disgraceful and inhumane to stretch this out even more. It has to come to an end.Family of hostage Nimrod Cohen marks his 21st birthday, urges leaders to return him
Hostage Nimrod Cohen’s 21st birthday is marked at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, as Cohen’s family, friends, and supporters write messages on a communal mural of Nimrod, who is marking a second birthday in captivity.
“Nimrod, my beloved child, I give thanks every day that you are my son,” says his mother, Viki Cohen. “I want you to know that I am proud of you: of who you are, of your sensitivity, your wisdom, your gentle and special personality, your inner peace, and your extraordinary humility.”
Supporters write messages of hope on Wall of Hope created by graffiti artist Tania Dodescu, featuring hostage Nimrod Cohen on his 21st birthday, in Tel Aviv, July 17, 2025. (Alon Gilboa)Cohen calls on elected officials to bring her son home to freedom.
“For this to happen, the time has come to end this war and bring my beloved child and all the hostages home,” says Cohen. “I am waiting for you to come back so I can embrace you and tell you that I love you and that you are not alone.”
Artist Shoshke Engelmayer holds his illustration of hostage Nimrod Cohen at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square on Nimrod’s 21st birthday, July 17, 2025. (Alon Gilboa)Family and friends have also marked Nimrod’s birthday in his hometown of Rehovot, where local restaurants featured Nimrod’s favorite foods, including pizza, spaghetti, hamburgers, French fries, chicken schnitzel, mocha and pistachio ice cream flavors and his favorite cake, a traditional Israeli biscuit and cream cake, says Viki Cohen.
**There is nothing more important than getting them home! NOTHING!**
“I’ve never met them,But I miss them. I’ve never met them,but I think of them every second. I’ve never met them,but they are my family. BRING THEM HOME NOW!!!”
We’re waiting for you, all of you.
A deal is the only way to bring
all the hostages home- the murdered for burial and the living for rehabilitation.
A deal is the only way to bring
all the hostages home- the murdered for burial and the living for rehabilitation.
#BringThemHomeNow #TurnTheHorrorIntoHope
#BringThemHomeNow #TurnTheHorrorIntoHope
There is no victory until all of the hostages are home!ΧΧΧ Χ Χ¦ΧΧΧ Χ’Χ Χ©ΧΧ ΧΧΧΧΧ€ΧΧ ΧΧΧΧͺ
Please read "Statement by the President of the Academy: Halting the Humanitarian Crisis in the Gaza Strip and Releasing the Hostages – A National Moral Imperative" in the Gaza Section below
Red Alerts - Missile, Rocket, Drone (UAV - unmanned aerial vehicles), and Terror Attacks and Death Announcements
*3:50pm yesterday- Gaza envelope- rockets from Gaza-Ibim, Mefaksim, Sderot, Nir Am - 2 rockets intercepted
*3:15pm - Gaza Envelope - rockets from Gaza - Netiv Haasara
Demolition begins for Bat Yam building hit by Iranian missile last month
Teams have started demolishing a residential building in Bat Yam, south of Tel Aviv, that suffered a direct hit from an Iranian missile during the war last month, according to Hebrew media.
A total of 22 buildings are said to be slated for demolition following that impact. videoIDF soldier charged with spying for Iran, sending footage of rocket impact sites
An IDF soldier has been charged with spying on behalf of Iran in return for financial compensation, the Shin Bet security agency and Israel Police announce.
The soldier was recently detained, and following an investigation led by the Shin Bet, police’s Lahav 433 major crimes unit, and the Military Police, an indictment was filed against him today by military prosecutors.
According to the Shin Bet and police, the soldier “knowingly maintained contact with Iranian elements and carried out tasks for them, including transferring footage of interceptions and filming rocket impact sites in Israel.”
The agency notes that the information the soldier provided to Iran was not classified, and did not come to the soldier as part of his role in the IDF.
The Shin Bet says the incident is “especially grave” as the Israeli soldier “maintained contact with the enemy.”
Military prosecutors charge the soldier with “contact with a foreign agent and transmission of information to the enemy.”
A military court orders that the soldier remain held until July 22, though his remand is expected to be extended further amid the trial.
Over the past two years, Iran has ramped up its efforts to recruit Israelis as spies in exchange for money.
In most cases, Israelis are recruited by Iranian handlers online and begin by carrying out small, innocuous tasks that gradually grow into more serious offenses, like intelligence gathering and even assassination plots.
Negev teacher charged with spying on airbase for Iran
State prosecutors have filed charges against a teacher from the Negev after she was arrested in June on suspicion of spying for Iran.
According to a statement from police, 33-year-old Tahani Abu Samhan had been in contact with an Iranian agent over the course of a year, including amid Israel’s recent war against the Islamic Republic.
She allegedly filmed fighter jets taking off from the southern Nevatim airbase during the war at the behest of her handler, then passed the videos along to the agent.
Prosecutors say Abu Samhan was fully aware the person she was in contact with was an Iranian operative, adding that she had used a separate phone to communicate with the agent.
Similar to others accused of spying for Iran, Abu Samhan was paid by her handler, according to i24 News. She was reportedly compensated in cash, unlike the majority of recruits who receive payment in cryptocurrency. It is unclear how the cash was transferred to the Negev resident.
Abu Samhan was charged in the Beersheba District Court with the offenses of maintaining contact with a foreign agent and passing intelligence to the enemy, say police. Prosecutors have requested that the court order her held in detention until the end of legal proceedings against her.
ENDING THE WAR IN GAZA – WHAT’S IN IT FOR THE USA?
The reconstruction of Gaza could potentially benefit the U.S. economy in many ways, though the extent of these benefits would depend on the scale of international involvement, U.S. policy decisions, and regional stability. Here are some possible economic impacts:
Business Opportunities for American Companies
• Increased Demand for U.S. Construction and Engineering Firms
• Large-scale reconstruction would require expertise in infrastructure, housing, and urban planning. U.S. companies like Bechtel, AECOM, or Caterpillar could secure contracts for rebuilding efforts, boosting revenues and creating jobs domestically.
• The U.S. could also export construction materials (steel, cement, heavy machinery), benefiting manufacturers.Technology and Equipment Suppliers
Reconstruction will require a vast array of goods and services—from heavy machinery to solar panels, medical equipment, and IT infrastructure—which American companies can supply.Opportunities for U.S. Energy and Technology Firms
Gaza’s reconstruction could include modernizing energy grids, water systems, and telecommunications. If Gaza shifts toward renewable energy, U.S. green tech firms could gain new markets. Companies like General Electric, or Cisco (for digital infrastructure) might find opportunities in the tech and energy fields.Consulting Services
American legal, environmental, and management consulting firms may be hired for regulatory frameworks, urban planning, and governance reforms.Export Growth
Increased Demand for U.S. Goods: If the U.S. provides aid for Gaza reconstruction in the form of grants or loans tied to the purchase of American goods and services (a common practice), this effectively becomes a boost to U.S. exports.Agricultural Products
U.S. food aid or commercial food sales could also play a role, especially in early humanitarian stages.Job Creation in the U.S.A.
Even though the reconstruction takes place overseas, any contracts granted to U.S. companies would support jobs at home—in manufacturing, logistics, project management, finance, and more. Think of it like an economic stimulus to sectors with global reach.Geopolitical Stability → Economic Predictability
• Stability in the Middle East reduces geopolitical risk, which in turn supports global energy markets, lowers oil price volatility, and benefits the global economy—including the U.S.
• Reduced conflict also stabilizes financial markets and global trade flows.Soft Power and Influence
Leading Gaza’s reconstruction increases U.S. global credibility and influence, especially in the Arab and Muslim world. This can translate into stronger trade partnerships, reduced terrorism threats, and increased cooperation on other global priorities (e.g. climate, migration, security).Defense Budget Rebalancing and Stimulating Defense and Security Sector
• If the U.S. plays a role in ensuring stability during reconstruction, defense contractors (e.g., Lockheed Martin, Raytheon) might see increased demand for surveillance, logistics, and security systems.
• Private security firms could also be contracted.
• Long-term conflict in Gaza and the region often prompts higher U.S. military expenditures and deployments.
• If reconstruction leads to greater stability, the U.S. could eventually reduce military spending in the region, reallocating funds to domestic infrastructure or innovation.Strengthening Regional Trade Partnerships
• A stable Gaza could open doors for broader economic cooperation between Israel, Egypt, and other regional partners, benefiting U.S. trade and investment in the Eastern Mediterranean.
• The U.S. might leverage reconstruction diplomacy to deepen economic ties with Gulf states (e.g., UAE, Saudi Arabia), which could invest alongside Western partners.Public-Private Partnerships
The U.S. could leverage international aid frameworks (World Bank, UN, EU, Gulf States) to incentivize American private sector investment in renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and green building—sectors where the U.S. has a competitive edge.Long-Term Geopolitical Stability & Economic Gains
• Reducing conflict in Gaza could lower risks for global shipping (e.g., Suez Canal trade routes), indirectly benefiting U.S. exporters and importers.
• A more stable Middle East could encourage U.S. energy and tech investments in the region. linkStatement by the President of the Academy: Halting the Humanitarian Crisis in the Gaza Strip and Releasing the Hostages – A National Moral Imperative
The President of the Israel National Academy of Sciences, Professor David Harel, warns: It is impossible to stand idly by in the face of the terrible humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, which threatens the lives and health of hundreds of thousands of people.
I see it as a professional and moral obligation to express a position on the matter, as medical data and expert opinions indicate an extreme humanitarian distress. The prolonged fighting in the Strip since October 2023 has caused the deaths of tens of thousands of people, a very large number of them children and women. Data from international agencies point to the collapse of the health system and the absence of essential medicines, to an extreme shortage of clean drinking water due to the destruction of water and sewage infrastructure, to severe malnutrition among thousands of children and the deterioration of their health condition, to a lack of access to fuel and electricity needed to operate life-saving medical equipment and water purification facilities, and to serious harm to the ability to treat chronic patients, premature babies, the wounded, and others. In addition, there have been reports of direct harm to civilians when they sought to receive medical services and humanitarian aid.
A health collapse of such magnitude has long-term consequences: outbreaks of disease, death of infants and wounded people who could have been saved, harm to the development of an entire generation of children, and the deepening of cycles of poverty, trauma, and radicalization. All these go far beyond a local humanitarian problem, and constitute a health, social, and security threat that endangers the stability of the entire region, and will also affect the State of Israel, its economic and scientific status, and the future of its regional and international collaborations. Already now, steps are being taken in the European Union that may lead to Israel’s exclusion from the Horizon Europe program due to non-compliance with clauses related to human rights—steps that would severely damage Israeli research, development and innovation budgets, and Israel’s scientific standing in the world.
As the head of the senior body of the scientific community in Israel, which includes, among others, physician-researchers and researchers in the fields of immunology, biology, and food security, I call on the Government of Israel to act immediately, with strict security oversight, to prevent harm to human life in the Gaza Strip, to ease the human suffering there, to rehabilitate its basic health and life infrastructures, including the regular flow of essential humanitarian aid—food, water, medical equipment, medicines, and fuel.
At the same time, I share the rage and deep concern of the families of the fifty Israeli hostages held by Hamas for more than 640 days, and I grieve the heavy price the country is paying in the lives of its soldiers in operations in Gaza. The responsibility for the lives and health of the hostages lies with Hamas, and yet I call on the government to relentlessly pursue an immediate agreement for their release and their safe return home.
For the State of Israel, which sees the sanctity of life as a core value and scientific excellence as a source of national pride, there is a moral obligation as well as a clear security interest in preventing a large-scale health disaster whose consequences will span generations.
History will judge us not only on our ability to defend ourselves, but also on our willingness to act to prevent human suffering when we have the power to do so. This is a moment of ethical test for the State of Israel and for its place in the community of enlightened nations.
Professor David Harel, President of the Academy. link
IDF says recent strike killed 3 Hamas terrorists who invaded on Oct. 7, including commander
A Hamas commander who invaded Israel during the October 7 onslaught was killed alongside other terrorists in a recent airstrike in the Gaza Strip, the IDF and Shin Bet announce.
The strike on July 10, directed by the 282nd Artillery Regiment, killed Iyad Nasser, who the military says served as the deputy commander of Hamas’s Jabalia battalion.
On October 7, 2023, Nasser invaded Israel and, during the war in Gaza, was injured before later returning to his role in the Jabalia Battalion, the IDF says.
“Throughout the war, he took part in terror activities against IDF troops operating in the area, including in recent weeks,” the military says.
The strike also killed two more Hamas terrorists who invaded Israel on October 7, the IDF says, identifying them as Hassan Mahmoud Muhammad Mar’i, the commander of the central Jabalia company, and Muhammad Zaki Shamadeh Hamad, the deputy commander of a company in Hamas’s Beit Hanoun Battalion.
Death toll in Gaza church strike rises to 3, Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem says
The death toll in the apparent Israeli strike on a church in the Gaza Strip has risen to three, according to a statement by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
Two women and one man died and nine people were wounded, including one in critical condition and two in serious condition, in the strike on Gaza’s Holy Family Church, says the Patriarchate, which oversees the small parish.
“The Latin Patriarchate strongly condemns this tragedy and this targeting of innocent civilians and of a sacred place,” the statement says, adding that the victims had turned to the church compound as a safe haven “after their homes, possessions, and dignity had already been stripped away.”
“This horrific war must come to a complete end,” it says.
IDF: Gaza church was mistakenly hit by shrapnel from tank fire; we regret unintentional harm to civiliansThe Israeli military says that shrapnel from a tank shell fired during operations in Gaza City earlier today hit the Holy Family Church, where three people were killed and several were wounded.
The IDF says it carried out a preliminary investigation following reports of damage and casualties at the church.
“It emerged that fragments from a shell fired during operational activity in the area hit the church mistakenly,” the IDF says, adding that the cause of the incident is under review.
“The IDF directs its strikes solely at military targets and makes every feasible effort to mitigate harm to civilians and religious structures, and regrets any unintentional damage caused to them,” it adds. link I don't know if what the army says is true or not. What I do know is that not every word out of the spokesperson's office is based on truth. The IDF is a self preserving organization that looks to defend itself as the first order of business. When there is an aberrant incident, at best, they state that they are investigating. At worst, they immediately claim that it either wasn't the IDF, or it was a soldier's action in self defense (when there is a questionable killing or attack), and every time there are non combatants killed in a bombing, they make the same statement every time that great efforts are made to minimize the killing of non involved people. While most of the Israeli public blindly accepts these statements, I no longer do because I have witnessed or been privy to other facts that are fully opposite to the statements of the IDF spokesperson's office. There are many reasons why the foreign press is not allowed into Gaza and one of the reasons is so there is no one to contradict the army's statements with other eyes on the ground and facts that they don't want to come out. It is extremely rare for the IDF spokesperson's office to make a statement admitting that a horrible incident was deliberate either based on an order or even an accident. There are almost always extenuating circumstances that clear or reduce the IDF's responsibility. Therefore, these statements should be taken with a grain of salt.
Following pressure from Trump, Netanyahu says Israel ‘regrets’ Gaza church strike
IDF airs clips of demolition of Hamas tunnel in Gaza City, drone strike on Hamas fighter
The IDF releases footage showing the demolition of a Hamas tunnel in the area of Gaza City’s eastern Daraj and Tuffah neighborhoods.
According to the military, the tunnel was 800 meters long and some 18 meters deep underground. It was destroyed by combat engineers of the elite Yahalom unit.
The IDF also publishes a video showing a drone strike on an RPG-wielding Hamas operative in the area.
The military says troops of the Commando Brigade spotted the cell of armed operatives near troops and called in the strike against them.
IDF airs newly discovered photos of Hamas’s de facto leader in Gaza, says he ‘disguised his identity’
The IDF publishes new photos of Hamas’s de facto leader in the Gaza Strip, Izz al-Din Haddad, saying that the terror commander “disguised his identity.”
Haddad is the commander of Hamas’s Gaza City Brigade, and following the death of Muhammad Sinwar in May he became the new head of the terror group in the Strip.
The photos of Haddad were found by troops in a Hamas tunnel underneath the European Hospital in Khan Younis, where Sinwar was killed, the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesperson, Col. Avichay Adraee, says on X.
“The drastic change in his appearance, as shown in the photo, indicates only one thing: deep fear and a desire to disguise and disappear,” Adraee says.
“While Hamas promotes the narrative of ‘famine’ to the world, it seems that Haddad remained safe from it, far from the hunger and suffering experienced by the residents of the Strip,” he continues.
“Haddad is the last remaining leader of the leadership that led Gaza to destruction and contributed to the collapse of the entire Iranian axis. Is it shame from the devastation left behind by Hamas that pushed him to change his face and disguise his identity?” Adraee adds.
Army says it killed several Hamas gunmen in overnight Gaza fighting
The military says troops of the 7th Armored Brigade killed several Hamas gunmen who wounded four paratroopers in Gaza City’s Shejaiya neighborhood last night.
Two of the soldiers, who served with the Paratroopers Brigade’s 202nd Battalion, were seriously wounded by the gunfire, and two officers were listed in moderate and light condition, according to the army.
Separately, the IDF says troops of the Nahal Brigade directed a strike on a weapons depot in the area of Gaza City’s Daraj and Tuffah neighborhoods, and soldiers of the 401st Armored Brigade killed Hamas operatives in Jabalia.
In Beit Hanoun, troops of the Givati Brigade killed additional operatives and destroyed Hamas infrastructure, including tunnels; and the 990th Reserve Artillery Regiment and 646th Reserve Paratroopers Brigade killed additional operatives and struck buildings used by Hamas, the IDF adds.
Also in the past day, the military says the Israeli Air Force hit over 100 targets in Gaza, including operatives, buildings used by terror groups, rocket-launching sites, caches of weapons, tunnels, and other infrastructure.
The statement does not mention an alleged strike on Gaza’s lone Catholic church that killed two people, according to the Vatican.
Six people said killed, others wounded in shootings near Gaza aid sites
Media outlets in Gaza report that six people were killed by gunfire near a humanitarian aid distribution center operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation in northwestern Rafah, in the south of the Strip.
Separately, Al-Awda Hospital says that it had received four people who were wounded by gunfire at another distribution center along the Netzarim corridor in central Gaza.
In response to an inquiry from The Times of Israel, the IDF says it is unaware of any such incidents having occurred on Friday morning.
IDF confirms Lebanon drone strikes, says 2 Hezbollah members killed
The IDF confirms carrying out drone strikes in southern Lebanon earlier today that killed two Hezbollah operatives.
The first strike, between the towns of Kfour and Toul near Nabatieh, killed Hassan Ahmad Sabra, a commander in the naval unit of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan force, the military says.
Within an hour, another strike was carried out in the Naqoura area, killing a Hezbollah operative who the military says was involved in restoring the terror group’s capabilities in the area.
The IDF says their activities “constituted a blatant violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon.” video
Syrian state media reports more Israeli strikes near southern Druze-majority city
Syrian state media reports Israeli strikes near the Syrian Druze-majority city of Sweida, the first to target the area after Syrian government forces withdrew, following clashes with local fighters.
Syria’s state-run SANA says “Israeli occupation aircraft carried out a raid on the outskirts of Sweida city.”
Syrian forces withdrew from Sweida earlier today after deadly clashes with Druze fighters accompanied by Israeli strikes and diplomatic pressure to retreat from the area.
US did not support recent Israeli strikes on Syria, State Department says
Gaza and the South
In sign of shift, far-right US news network airs segment on unchecked Israeli settler violence
The far-right One America News Network airs a segment on last week’s killing of Palestinian-American Saif Musallet by Israeli settlers in the West Bank.
The network’s decision to focus on the phenomenon that was once largely ignored in more conservative circles highlights the shift among a camp of MAGA Republicans that has gradually become more critical of Israel.
The anchor for the segment is former Florida congressman Matt Gaetz, who was US President Donald Trump’s original pick for attorney general. Gaetz withdrew his nomination amid mounting scandals against him.
He notably refers to the West Bank by its biblical name of Judea and Samaria while excoriating the conduct of Israeli settlers who live there.
“The truth is, this isn’t an isolated tragedy. It’s part of a pattern of Israeli settler attacks on Palestinian communities that include the torching of homes, farms and lives, all while protected by Israeli forces who are funded by US tax dollars,” Gaetz says. “That’s not even the most troubling part. Israel rarely holds these killers accountable. There have been eight unsolved killings of American citizens just since 2022.”
Earlier this week, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, a devout evangelical Christian, characterized Musallet’s killing as an act of terrorism and demanded an Israeli investigation. It appeared to be the first time Huckabee had weighed in on the phenomenon of settler violence. link Even as Trump is under attack by many in his MAGA cult over the Epstein files, the most conservative of his followers, among them, the evangelists, are breaking with their tradition of never saying anything bad about Israeli actions or the Netanyahu governments.
Netanyahu's silence which is enablement and support of the Jewish terror in the West Bank has brought the most loyal Israel/Netanyahu American supporters to the brink. They are fed up with the lawlessness, the impunity and the immunity of these terrorists who run the gamut of terror actions from arson, theft, violence including murders and terrorizing entire communities for their goal of ethnic cleansing starting with the West Bank, then Gaza and eventually also the Arab citizens of Israel. What had been a fringe group that was viewed as outliers with the police and army taking some actions against them, including arrests, administrative detentions (jail without charges approved by a judge for up to 6 months at a time and can be renewed indefinitely by a judge - used commonly against Palestinians), charges and sometimes trials, is now a growing terror organizations that is fully supported, encouraged and funded by the extremist messianic ministers in Netanyahu's extremist government. They, Ben Gvir and Smotrich are criminals themselves for their actions and words. Ben Gvir is actually a convicted criminal for his belonging to and support of the terror group Kach, founded by the racist Meir Kahana which was determined by the Knesset to be a racist criminal party and terror organization. Ben Gvir, as minister in charge of the police has given explicit orders to the police not to respond to the terror attacks of these Jewish terrorists, not to arrest, jail, charge them or show up when called. In addition, he openly and publicly makes statements supporting their activities. Smotrich as the failed and fully unqualified finance minister is also a minister in the Defense Ministry in charge of West Bank civil affairs and settlements. He has secured fortunes of the State budget to expand and grow the settlements in the West Bank, most of them on stolen Palestinian lands, and also to legalize all of the illegal settlements and 'farms' that have been set up, all on stolen Palestinian lands, all with the goal of ousting all of the Palestinians in the West Bank. He has financed these terrorists with budgets and equipment including 4x4 vehicles that have been captured terrorizing Palestinian farmers and shepherds. Both Smotrich and Ben Gvir are public supporters of the actions of these terrorists and have publicly spoken about the need to rid Gaza as well of all the Palestinians and set up Jewish settlements throughout Gaza. It's about time that the American conservatives and fundamentalists care about the lives of simple people who are under daily attack by the most extreme fringes of our society who have no compunction about killing.Police reopen case into settler attack after report raises questions about decision to close probe
Police have reopened an investigation into a recent settler attack on an Israeli peace activist in the West Bank after a report in the Haaretz daily revealed that the probe had been closed due to what officers claimed was their inability to identify suspects, even though the victim provided significant evidence to law enforcement, including the name of one of the assailants.
The case appears to highlight the apparent lack of willpower among law enforcement to probe incidents of settler violence, which go almost entirely unchecked. Ninety-four percent of all probes into settler violence between 2005 and 2024 ended without an indictment even being filed, according to the Yesh Din rights group.
The head of the police’s West Bank division is currently under investigation for intentionally not prosecuting cases of settler violence in order to curry favor in the eyes of far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir whose office oversees the police. While the commander was initially removed from his post, the police commissioner last month ordered that he be allowed to return to work.
In the latest incident that took place in May, settlers allegedly attacked a group of Palestinians from Mughayyir al-Deir along with a group of Israeli peace activists who were accompanying them. During the attack, the settlers opened fire on the Palestinians and stole cameras, a cellphone a wallet and other items from activist Avishay Mohar.
Mohar told Haaretz that he filed a police complaint at the Binyamin police station two days after the attack. The complaint included medical documents, a picture of several of the attackers and the name of one of the assailants.
The computer’s GPS tracker was active in the weeks since the attack, and the victim’s lawyer updated police regarding its location, which moved among a pair of illegal outposts.
Mohar also offered police his car to scan it for fingerprints, as the attackers had been inside.
Despite all of this evidence, police decided to close the investigation on the grounds that they had been unable to identify the perpetrators.
Following Haaretz’s report on the closed investigation, police informed the publication that they had decided to reopen the case in order to locate the suspects and bring them to justice.
- Politics and the War and General News
"Whoever lets others die in his place cannot lead Israel"
The mother of five, who together with her husband completed 400 reserve duty days, does not intend to give up on "a real draft law" for everyone. In a combative WhatsApp interview with Moshe Nussbaum, attorney Shavot Ra’anan—one of the leaders of the Reservists' Wives Protest—explains why she told the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee she would go on jihad against the draft law, attacks the ultra-Orthodox ("their difficulty is only in the wallet")—and does not rule out entering politics.
Shavot Ra’anan"I have until 13:30. But the baby is with me, of course. Snack time and ticking off lots of tasks."Moshe Nussbaum
"With your permission, I want to start with something that is burning in my bones: We’re speaking on days when the Prime Minister and all senior coalition officials are fighting, twisting, and sweating to pass a law that exempts the ultra-Orthodox from the draft—and at the very same time, three soldiers who were killed two days ago in Gaza are being buried. What does that do to you?"Shavot Ra’anan
"It screams to me that correction is needed, and that the correction will probably not come from above, because they are really distant from the ground—from the dedication of the fighters who are giving their lives. They are dealing with a fabricated outcry from those who want to be exempted for Torah study, and it shows a severe disconnect that could bring us to destruction. Our role is to enforce from below the partnership that will return us to our covenant of destiny as Jews, and even more so to our covenant of purpose as Israelis who merited a state in their land.""I think that Torah study in the Land of Israel is part of the covenant of purpose, but Torah study does not justify evading a commanded war nor justify numbness when Israel needs saving from an enemy and families are collapsing. And there are young people who can participate—it is literally 'do not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor.' That is not Torah."
Moshe Nussbaum
"And where does this disconnect stem from, what is the source of the leadership’s detachment from the people these days?"Shavot Ra’anan
"First of all, some of the politicians do not have children who are drafted. They are capable of issuing a statement through their spokesperson expressing sorrow, and with the other hand sealing a coalition deal without flinching. They are capable of speaking about the hardship of the Torah world, when all their real lack is just in the wallet, while people are paying with their lives.""They have also become too much politicians who choose to serve social media surfers rather than rise to the greatness of the moment and to national responsibility for Israel’s eternity. Even according to their own logic, if the law’s purpose was to regulate yeshiva students, it would have been appropriate to declare on every platform that whoever does not study—must enlist. Instead, we heard the opposite."
"Even if the Prime Minister thinks this is a process and is careful about coalition stability, because he wants a stable government at this time—a legitimate need—I would have expected him to hold discussions about how to begin the process practically, how to get closer. There should be a team dealing with the 'how'."
"The ultra-Orthodox parties did not do this. Everyone there clung to the law. They applied pressure to prevent the drafting of their public, which actually woke up on October 7th, and they did not gather with the army or establish a dedicated administration to build an operative plan."
"They chose to cling to a distant law, whose purpose is to find loopholes, and the entire discussion is about whether they will be drafted. So instead of fighting with them for shared success, we should have demanded that the question of whether the ultra-Orthodox will be drafted be taken off the table, and instead present demands for a real law that will begin the process—and not be a bluff at our expense and the expense of the state’s security. It is very sad that we have reached such a situation. The government should have fought for us."
"Back in a moment, going to change Tsuf’s diaper π"
Moshe Nussbaum
"Of course—Tsuf and her diaper before everything!"Shavot Ra’anan
"I’m back, we can continue π₯°"Moshe Nussbaum
"Okay, so after we made sure Tsuf is comfortable in her new diaper—tell me a bit about yourself: You are a mother of five children, how many days has your husband done in reserve duty since the beginning of the war?"Shavot Ra’anan
"He did about 250 days of reserve duty, and even that is not among the toughest. Some did more. And still, it is tough. He is a fighter.""I did about 150 days, but as day duties."
Moshe Nussbaum
"What do you do in your reserve duty?"Shavot Ra’anan
"They recruited me as phase B (in my youth I did two years of national service), to build the rights-realization system for reservist families, which I founded voluntarily. To help with employment security for reservists and their partners, in realizing their rights and protecting them. I finished when the team and the system functioned well and I could let go. That was about two months before the birth, and even then, Tsuf’s dad was drafted in Gaza."Moshe Nussbaum
"And how did the household function on days when you were both in reserve duty?"Shavot Ra’anan
"I relied on my amazing neighbors, and also did part of the work from home."Moshe Nussbaum
"What made you get involved in action for the reservists and their wives, and leave your legal career for it?"Shavot Ra’anan
"The feeling that this is what the People of Israel need. It was clear the state did not grasp the event of prolonged reserve recruitment and its impact on the wives of reservists and the families, and that employers do not understand the heavy responsibility of safeguarding those holding up the economy while being on the front line. So it was necessary to enter the subject and narrow the gap to maintain the home front’s resilience and help win this just and important war."Moshe Nussbaum
"Can you estimate the financial damage caused to your family since October 7?"Shavot Ra’anan
"Financially, we are okay. We did lose, but that is not the point. The point is the condition of all families, the erosion of the reserve system, the moral failure in exploiting these good people, when it is clear that a large, strong army is needed for years ahead. Reserves are an important short-term solution."Moshe Nussbaum
"What does your husband say about your activity, how involved is he?"Shavot Ra’anan
"He supports and appreciates it, but also reflects to me the price the household is paying. There is a price for my being available to so many people who rely on me, for writing position papers until the early morning hours, for traveling for interviews and raising awareness.""I simply feel that right now this is what God wants from me."
Moshe Nussbaum
"How did your husband reflect to you the price you are paying?"Shavot Ra’anan
"My husband appreciates it, but also worries for me and our children. There is less peace of mind when responsibility is greater."Moshe Nussbaum
"Could there be a red line that, if crossed, you would tell your husband, 'enough. The house is collapsing because of reserve duty'?"Shavot Ra’anan
"It already happened. After the birth of our fifth daughter, he went out under emergency call-up, and after two weeks I called him to come back. He stayed until I strengthened a bit physically and mentally, and then he returned to reserves, because his team needed him and because the People of Israel need us. We will come as much as we can, because we take responsibility for the state."Moshe Nussbaum
"What is your stance on the explosive question of whether to end the fighting in Gaza now, or tomorrow, and withdraw the forces in exchange for the return of all the hostages at once?"Shavot Ra’anan
"I think courageous decisions must be made and followed through. You cannot keep fumbling and stalling. Precious lives are being lost on both sides. Hamas only grows stronger from our suffering.""Given the fact (and the missed opportunity, in my opinion) that conquering the Strip was not defined as a goal, and that they probably plan to withdraw from many areas anyway, and especially considering that aid and fuel are being funneled to our enemy while our fighters (including my husband) are inside risking their lives, and our brothers in captivity are enduring hell—better to withdraw now and bring everyone back, with a clear decision that when there is a violation, we respond with full force, and if needed, conquer territory to leave a deterrent mark on the enemy and ensure real security for southern residents."
"Currently, the situation is that we are afraid to fight decisively, because our brothers are held captive inside, and we leave places and return to them for partial deals, paying with the lives of our heroic soldiers and empowering Hamas. This event must be closed, if it cannot be managed with the required force."
Moshe Nussbaum
"I am sending you a short video. It was filmed a month ago at a meeting between Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Yuli Edelstein and the reservist organizations."Shavot Ra’anan
"This is a partial video from that meeting, a moment of breakdown—and also a moment of demanding that Yuli truly stay with us and be a leader while everyone around is a small-time politician.""I would not have expressed myself that way had I known it would reach the media."
"The fact that after months of joint effort we made with Yuli to draw boundaries for a real draft law, and of trust we gave him, he simply decided to go with the ultra-Orthodox parties at our expense, broke me. I just screamed what was in my heart. To reset him. I did not know a strike in Iran was planned that evening, and today I understand that Yuli truly heard us and tried to fix that bluff outline, which had to be signed in order to strike Iran."
Moshe Nussbaum
"You told Yuli Edelstein, 'this is a red line, we will go on jihad over this.' How far are you willing to go in your struggle?"Shavot Ra’anan
"By democratic means, we will do whatever is necessary. We will not call for refusal or act violently. We are responsible for life here in the country. If they do not understand the meaning of that responsibility and do not accept it, we will have to replace them with people more worthy of this wonderful nation."Moshe Nussbaum
"Will you work to replace the current government and leadership?"Shavot Ra’anan
"I do not want the government to fall. But I think that if it does not understand the need and cannot rise to the moment, it is not worthy of leading right now—and the people need to speak. It is still possible to fix and do the right thing.""And if they do not do it—definitely. Good people must replace and properly represent this nation in general, and the wonderful national-religious public I come from in particular."
Moshe Nussbaum
"You are part of the national-religious Zionist camp. This government is supposed to represent your worldview and your sector. Do you feel somewhat betrayed?"Shavot Ra’anan
"On this issue—yes."Moshe Nussbaum
"What kind of compromise would you be willing to sign with the ultra-Orthodox?"Shavot Ra’anan
"Since it has been made very clear that they are not interested in a compromise that truly drafts and enforces, especially when they are making a fuss over fingerprinting at the entrance to a study hall (which should not even be an issue, if the soul’s desire is devoted Torah learning, and not budgets), I think there must be a real law at the base of it. A law that provides a solution to the security needs and also allows a quota for exceptional scholars (not necessarily only Haredim). A true amendment to the Security Service Law, that includes financial incentives for all citizens as a derivative of their participation in the state's security and societal needs. Yes, also Arabs.""This is the framework of the Reservists' Organizations Coalition, which we call to adopt as a basis for discussion, instead of the bluff framework that was reached in sin, on the eve of the strike in Iran, and which blew up in the height of disconnect when we received news of three soldiers who were killed in the Strip. There is no point in discussing it if this minimum—still far from what we demanded—is not acceptable."
Shavot Ra’anan
"This Knesset has 61 Zionist fingers. We expect that already in the next session, all the MKs who call themselves Zionists—coalition and opposition—will approve the framework of the ’Reservists' Organizations Coalition'. Show us, all of you, that the IDF is more important than your bloc politics. That the security of the state really matters to you. That you are capable of rising to the moment, for the most devoted and patriotic people in this country."Moshe Nussbaum
"Do you find moments of hope in the struggle you are leading?"Shavot Ra’anan
"Yes. Hope in a Zionist connection between right and left. More unites us than divides us. The war focuses us on what is important. This awakening must not be missed. We must grow from it and unite."Moshe Nussbaum
"Your partner in the path and the struggle, former minister Yoaz Hendel, said this week that according to his vision, 'those who do not serve will not be able to vote, be elected, or receive a shekel.' Do you agree with him?"Shavot Ra’anan
"Rabbi Dessler writes beautifully: 'For to the one who gives—he will love.' I agree with the principle that without love for our country, we will not be able to win or thrive here for years ahead. To create that connection, we must demand giving from everyone who wants to be part of the story.""To create that, after the state has allowed autonomies for years, we must build an economic equation that translates this demand. It is important to emphasize that it stems from a desire for connection, not separation. But those who remain disconnected—let them be consistent, and not live and celebrate at the public’s expense, and not decide who will risk his life, when he does not even know the gnawing worry. Legally, I am not sure that the right to vote can be conditioned, but the right to be elected—certainly should. Public representatives must have leadership standards. Whoever lets others die in his place cannot lead."
Moshe Nussbaum
"In other words, according to your doctrine, Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, for example, does not have the right to be elected to the Knesset?"Shavot Ra’anan
"Absolutely not. Ben Gvir wanted and begged to serve in the IDF and was refused. If the ultra-Orthodox acted that way, we would be in a completely different place today. And yes, the army also has responsibility to know how to accept people properly.""If everyone had done a service arrangement and reached the reserves, the army could be in a much better place."
Moshe Nussbaum
"To conclude, there is an election spirit in the air. Are you tempted to participate and run?"Shavot Ra’anan
"If there will not be people from the right who properly represent us, who are not suffering from an inferiority complex toward the ultra-Orthodox, who demand change, who want this reality that was forced on us in war to cause us to grow and unite with everyone who is fighting with us in the covenant of destiny—then it is possible that I will put myself forward.""I simply cannot imagine a situation in which we are left with the same people and the same disconnect. This nation deserves more. I do not have a personal urgency to do it, but if I feel that there are no others who represent me and my many friends, that this is what God wants from me, I think the magnitude of the hour will outweigh the fears and personal costs, and I will say 'Here I am.' I am optimistic and still hope they will show leadership and do the responsible thing."
Moshe Nussbaum
"Has someone already approached you or your surroundings to check this option?"Shavot Ra’anan
"Yes. But right now I am focused on demanding a real draft law, on finishing Tsur’s current round in Gaza, and on family readjustment afterwards. Let us hope they come to their senses and we can stay with our family life."Moshe Nussbaum
"Would it be a bold and wild guess if I say the name Naftali Bennett in your context?"Shavot Ra’anan
"I am totally on the right. Proud of it. I am not trying to shift to the center or be acceptable to everyone. I do not know if Naftali is aiming to establish a right-wing party. In any case, that is not relevant right now, and I am still in the struggle to fix the draft issue in the current Knesset."Moshe Nussbaum
"Great, so until that happens—your entry into political life—and I have a feeling it will happen, thank you, attorney Shavot Ra’anan, for an honest, open, and fascinating conversation."Moshe Nussbaum
"I wish you—and us—that this passion continues to burn within you. It is good and important for you and for us."Shavot Ra’anan
"Thank you, Moshe, good news!" Link
- The Region and the World
In EU first, Slovenia to bar Smotrich, Ben Gvir from entering over ‘genocidal statements’
Slovenia announces that it will ban two far-right Israeli ministers from entering the country, in what authorities say is a first in the European Union.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, key coalition partners of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, will each be declared “persona non grata,” the government says in a statement, accusing them of inciting “extreme violence and serious violations of the human rights of Palestinians” with “their genocidal statements.” link This should only be the start of a worldwide movement. These 2 racist criminals should be banned from entering every law abiding country and every country that is a signatory to the Geneva Convention that defined and determined Genocide as a International War Crime. These two do more that just make genocidal statements, they encourage and provoke Jewish terrorist activities against Palestinians. They have both spoken publicly about ridding Gaza and the West Bank of all Palestinians and have both the territories filled only with Jewish Settlements. No one should forget that Ben Gvir spent his legal career defending Jewish terrorists and Smotrich has been the biggest backer of legalizing all of the illegal Jewish settlements in the West Bank and securing huge budgets for settlements including the mass stealing of Palestinian lands for these settlements. They both have long histories of defending Jewish terrorists and supporting their actions. They are both worthy of being indicted by the International Criminal Court for War Crimes of Ethnic Cleansing which is part of the laws against Genocide. And the person most responsible for enabling the lawlessness and giving these 2 racist messianics is Netanyahu for normalizing them and their actions by bringing them into his government with senior ministerial roles for his political survival. He is already indicted by the ICC for war crimes.
- Personal Stories
Acronyms and Glossary
ICC - International Criminal Court in the Hague
IJC - International Court of Justice in the Hague
MDA - Magen David Adom - Israel Ambulance Corp
PA - Palestinian Authority - President Mahmud Abbas, aka Abu Mazen
PMO- Prime Minister's Office
UAV - Unmanned Aerial vehicle, Drone. Could be used for surveillance and reconnaissance, or be weaponized with missiles or contain explosives for 'suicide' explosion mission
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